HEALTH ENCYCLOPEDIA

Oxygen Therapy

What is oxygen therapy?

Oxygen, a gas found in the air we breathe, is necessary for
human life. Some people with breathing disorders can’t get enough oxygen
naturally. They may need supplemental oxygen, or oxygen therapy. People who
receive oxygen therapy often see improved energy levels and sleep, and better
quality of life.

Who needs oxygen therapy?

Oxygen therapy is prescribed for people who can’t get enough
oxygen on their own. This is often because of lung conditions that prevents the
lungs from absorbing oxygen, including:

To determine whether a person will benefit from oxygen therapy,
doctors test the amount of oxygen in their arterial blood. Another way to check
is using a pulse oximeter that indirectly measures oxygen levels, or saturation,
without requiring a blood sample. The pulse oximeter clips onto a person’s body
part, like a finger. Low levels mean that a person may be a good candidate for
supplemental oxygen.

Normal levels of arterial blood oxygen are between 75 and 100 mmHg
(millimeters of mercury). An oxygen level of 60 mmHg or lower
indicates the need for supplemental oxygen. Too much oxygen can be dangerous as
well, and can damage the cells in your lungs. Your oxygen level should not go
above 110 mmHg.

Some people need oxygen therapy all the time, while others need
it only occasionally or in certain situations. Some oxygen therapy is done at a
doctor’s office, and other times people have an oxygen supply in their homes,
or a portable oxygen system.

What are the symptoms of low oxygen?

When you aren’t getting enough oxygen, you’ll experience a host
of symptoms, including:

rapid
breathing

shortness
of breath

fast
heart rate

coughing
or wheezing

sweating

confusion

changes
in the color of your skin

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical
attention.

What are the different types of oxygen therapies?

There are a number of different types of oxygen therapies that
can be used. These include:

oxygen
gas

liquid
oxygen

oxygen
concentrators

hyperbaric
oxygen therapy

Oxygen gas

Oxygen gas can be stored in a portable tank. These are called
compressed gas systems. A larger stationary concentrator is used within the
home, and a smaller oxygen tank can be taken to use outside the home. The
smaller tanks might be used along with oxygen-conserving devices so that the
oxygen supply lasts longer. The oxygen is delivered in pulses, not
continuously.

Liquid oxygen

Liquid oxygen also can be stored in a portable tank. Liquid
oxygen is more highly concentrated, so more oxygen can fit in a smaller tank.
This is helpful for people who are very active, but it will evaporate if it
isn’t used in a timely manner. These tanks are refillable.

Both liquid oxygen and oxygen gas are available for home
delivery in many locations.

Oxygen concentrators

Oxygen concentrators are less portable than the other options.
An oxygen concentrator is a device that takes oxygen from the room,
concentrates it for therapeutic use, and removes other naturally occurring
gases. The benefits of concentrators are that they are less expensive and don’t
require filling like tanks. Portable versions are available. However, most
models are too large to be truly portable.

Oxygen is distributed from the tank through a tube. It enters
the lungs through nasal tubes, a face mask, or a tube inserted directly into
the person’s windpipe.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is unlike the other methods of oxygen
therapy. People will breathe in pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber.
In the hyperbaric chambers, the air pressure is increased to three or four
times the normal air pressure levels. This increases the amount of oxygen
delivered to the body’s tissue. This type of oxygen delivery is often used to
treat wounds, serious infections, or bubbles of air in your blood vessels. Hyperbaric
therapy should be carried out carefully so that blood oxygen levels don’t
become too high.

Delivery methods

The most common delivery method is the nasal cannula, which consists of a tube
that runs through both nostrils. Other delivery methods include:

the nonrebreather mask

the incubator (for infants)

continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

What are the benefits of oxygen therapy?

Oxygen therapy can be extremely beneficial for those who
frequently experience low oxygen levels, regardless of the reason. If needed,
regularly utilizing oxygen therapy can allow people to be more active and
mobile by decreasing shortness of breath. It also can significantly improve
quality of life, and in many cases extend life expectancy.

Oxygen therapy can also reduce symptoms such as:

headaches

irritability

fatigue

swollen
ankles

Oxygen therapy can help the growth and development of children
who have chronic lung conditions. It can also lessen symptoms such as headaches
caused by low oxygen levels, and behavioral changes or problems.

How does oxygen therapy help with COPD?

Many people with severe COPD require long-term oxygen therapy.
COPD is an umbrella term that includes progressive lung diseases that lead to
increased breathlessness. Some people will experience declining lung function
over time, leading them to struggle to get enough oxygen.

Long term, regular oxygen therapy can significantly improve the
quality and length of life for people with COPD. Many of them may need to
receive oxygen therapy for at least 15 hours every day.

One study found
that continuous supplemental oxygen is most beneficial to people with COPD, and
can increase survival rates.

What are the guidelines for using oxygen therapy?

Your doctor will write you a prescription to begin oxygen
therapy. They’ll tell you how to use it and how often you should use it. This
will include the flow rate, or how much oxygen you’ll need per minute. It is
essential that you follow all of your doctor’s specific instructions. If you
don’t think the oxygen therapy is working for you, see them before making any
changes.

Some people only need oxygen during certain activities, like
exercising or sleeping. Other people need oxygen constantly. Most types of
oxygen therapy come with portable oxygen tanks so you can leave home with them
if necessary.

Do not use drugs or alcohol while taking oxygen therapy, as they
can slow your breathing. When discussing oxygen therapy with your doctor, make
them aware of any other prescription medications you may be taking.

What are the safety considerations for oxygen therapy?

Even though oxygen is not a flammable gas, it’s also necessary
for combustion. Fires in areas with excessive oxygen are likely to burn more
quickly. Be cautious with oxygen tanks around open flames and heaters, and be
sure to store oxygen tanks safely.

What is the outlook for people who use oxygen therapy?

Many people who need supplemental oxygen live normal, active
lives. In many cases, the oxygen therapy helps make activity easier, increases
stamina, and decreases shortness of breath. In some cases, oxygen therapy can
increase life expectancy.

Even people who need ongoing therapy due to chronic conditions
can live normal lives. Once a person learns to manage the oxygen equipment, the
therapy doesn’t have to limit their routine.

This feature is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the care and information received from your health care provider. Please consult a health care professional with any health concerns you may have.